Calymperes contains 40 species and varieties distributed throughout the tropics; 16 taxa are present in the Neotropics. The genus is typically found in wet or semi-dry lowland forest in the tropical Andean countries; epiphytic, occasionally on logs or rocks. The features distinguishing the genus include the presence of teniolae (not in all species), absence of a peristome, and a persistent and enveloping calyptra.